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The Role of Birth Control Pills in Acne Treatment

The Role of Birth Control Pills in Acne Treatment

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Birth control pills have long been known as a method for preventing pregnancy, but did you know they can also help with acne? Is it safe to use birth control pills as an acne treatment? Find out the answer in the following review.

 

How do birth control pills help with acne?

Birth control pills are often used to treat acne caused by hormonal fluctuations, especially androgens. Androgens are hormones that can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil, leading to acne.

Hormonal acne usually appears around the chin and jawline. Cystic acne, which tends to leave scars, is also often influenced by hormones. Birth control pills can help manage this type of acne.

These pills contain estrogen and progestin, which work together to reduce androgen levels in the body, resulting in less sebum production. Birth control pills also help to regulate hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle, as unstable hormones can cause excess oil and inflammation in the skin.

 

Is it safe to use birth control pills as an acne treatment?

Using birth control pills as an acne treatment is relatively safe and effective. However, like most medications, it comes with some risks and side effects to consider.

Their benefits include:

  • Reduces the frequency of acne outbreaks by stabilizing hormones and lowering sebum production in the skin
  • Decreases the number of acne lesions on the face and other body areas
  • Reduces redness and swelling associated with acne
  • Lowers the risk of painful cystic acne

Some risks and side effects include:

  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially if you smoke or have other risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure
  • Higher risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Potential increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases
  • More frequent and severe migraine headaches
  • Possible mood changes, including depression

 

Before using birth control pills to treat acne, consult with your doctor or a dermatologist. They can recommend the right type of birth control pill based on your specific needs and health conditions.

Have other questions about acne or the use of birth control pills? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

 

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!

Writer : Agatha Writer
Editor :
  • dr Nadia Opmalina
Last Updated : Tuesday, 30 July 2024 | 07:56